There's been a death in my family.

10:29:00 AM

On Saturday noon, while I was attending Mr’s best friend’s
wedding, Mom called informing me that my uncle had just fell down and was in
critical condition in University Hospital.

Right after the wedding, I came back home, showered and left
to the hospital with my younger sister. Uncle had haemorrhage (blood pressure
in the brain) and when he fell down, it burst. Doctor informed that there was
nothing that can be done that we just had to wait and be prepared.

We were at the emergency ward and the atmosphere was very
sad and depressing. Only a few were allowed in at a time thus most of us were
gathering outside. When I went in, I saw my aunty (Mak Teh) standing strong
with a friend, talking to her. My cousin was reading the surah Yassin and so I
joined her too.

On Sunday night, he passed away.

Mak Teh is a wonderwoman. I think she has very strong imaan
that she accepts whatever it is that is happening. She was very calm and strong
throughout the whole weekend, that none of us dared to even cry in front of
her. Her strength gave her daughter and her siblings strength too. This is the
first funeral that I’ve attended, where only a few teared; and mind you, only
teared, and not cried. In Islam, we are
not encouraged to cry in front of the deceased (in public) or even worst turn hysteria.
We have to accept that this is Allah’s decision and it’s the best for everyone.
We need to redha – meaning wholeheartedly accept to the decision to what Allah
has decided upon. And to be redha, you need that strong imaan – that strong
believe and faith in Allah.

I was also surprised with how reliable my dad’s siblings
were. All of them were there at the hospital, supporting this sister of theirs.
Never once, was Mak Teh left alone. When my uncle passed, each and every one
tried their best in assisting wherever they can. Some read the Quran, some
helped rearranging furnitures at her house and place carpets for guests, some
bought food and drinks, some handled the funeral processes, some informed
others about the news, some stayed over Mak Teh’s and some just supported her
and her daughter emotionally.

I was also very very proud of my younger sister Mira, who
did a very good job in taking care of Mak Teh’s only grandchild throughout the
whole weekend. She distracted her when everyone was busy preparing the funeral.
She watched cartoon, played Ipad and slept with her. She even had to answer all
her questions:

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Erina is an engineer turned entrepreneur. She worked with an oil and gas company for 5 years and then one day, decided to leave the corporate world to run her own business; ZAAHARA. She now has flexible time to work on her passions and spend quality time with her family. She writes about her life encounters as a Muslim, an Entrepreneur, a Wife, a Mummy and also as a Traveller.